December 2002
Commerce Commission - adjudication update
24 December 2002
The Commerce Commission will carry over several adjudication decisions into the New Year, relating to its responsibilities under the Commerce Act 1986, Telecommunications Act 2001 and Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001.Relates to:
Commerce Commission decides to investigate TelstraClear's application for wholesale residential services
24 December 2002
The Commerce Commission today announced it would investigate aspects of TelstraClear Limited's application for a determination of the terms for the wholesaling of residential services offered by Telecom New Zealand Limited.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission highlights for 2002
24 December 2002
Commerce Commission highlights for 2002Relates to:
Wakefield Hospital applies to Commerce Commission to acquire Bowen Hospital
24 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Wakefield Hospital Limited to acquire all of the issued shares in Bowen Hospital Limited and all of the land and buildings situated at its Churchill Drive site.Relates to:
Commission says electricity arrangement does not require authorisation
23 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has declined to authorise an arrangement following an application by The Marketplace Company Limited, the market administrator of the New Zealand Electricity Market (NZEM). The arrangement would require, after a delay of 14 days, the disclosure of bids to purchase electricity and offers to sell electricity through the NZEM. Bids and offers are currently disclosed after a delay of four weeks.Relates to: Business Competition
Electricity Lines Businesses: Commission releases first of two draft decision papers
23 December 2002
The Commerce Commission today released the first of two draft decisionRelates to: Electricity
CallPlus applies for access determination
23 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from CallPlusRelates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission: Preussag, Shell and Todd apply for restrictive trade practice authorisation
23 December 2002
Three parties, Preussag Energie, Shell Exploration and Todd Petroleum Mining, have applied to the Commerce Commission for authorisation to enter into arrangements to jointly market and sell gas produced from the Pohokura field off the Taranaki coast.Relates to: Business Competition
Real estate practices scrutinised: High Court rules on fair trading breaches
20 December 2002
In a High Court case taken by the Commerce Commission, Grenadier Real Estate Limited has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act with respect to misleading advertising of a Lyttleton property for auction in November 2000.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Act: update on local loop and public data network and public data network
20 December 2002
The Commerce Commission expects to commence in March 2003 a review of the desirability of regulating the unbundling of Telecom New Zealand Limited’s local loop network and fixed Public Data Network, and to provide a report to the Minister of Communications by 20 December 2003.Relates to: Telecommunications
Burns Philp applies to acquire Goodman Fielder Limited
19 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Burns Philp & Company Limited to acquire up to 100% of the share capital of Goodman Fielder Limited.Relates to:
Air New Zealand and Qantas application available on Commission website
18 December 2002
Public versions of the applications for authorisation under the Commerce Act by Air New Zealand Limited and Qantas Airways Limited are now available on the Commerce Commission's website, www.comcom.govt.nz. Interested parties are invited to make submissions on the applications. Submissions will close on 14 February 2003.Relates to:
Commission clears Val Morgan Holdings to acquire cinema advertising businesses
18 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Val Morgan Holdings Pty Limited (VMH), to acquire the cinema advertising businesses of Val Morgan & Co (Aust) Pty Limited (Val Morgan) and Media Entertainment Group Limited (MEG).Relates to:
HSBC to refund customers for undisclosed transaction fees
18 December 2002
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act and agreed to refund customers for undisclosed transaction fees overcharged since 1996.Relates to: Fair Trading
Cars sold as "new" but manufactured two years earlier: Daewoo fined $35,000
17 December 2002
In a significant case for the motor vehicle industry, Daewoo AutomotiveRelates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Act: conference on draft wholesale determination to be held in February
16 December 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a conference from 3 - 5 February 2003 on its draft report relating to TelstraClear Limited's application for a determination to permit the resale of some services offered by Telecom New Zealand Limited. These revised dates have been set after consultation with the parties.Relates to: Telecommunications
Air New Zealand and Qantas: Commerce Commission begins inquiry process
9 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has today received joint applications from Air New Zealand Limited and Qantas Airways Limited for market behaviour and structure authorisations under the Commerce Act. The applications are under sections 58 and 67 of the Act, relating to restrictive trade practices and business acquisitions respectively.Relates to:
Warning to wine industry - Commission takes fair trading breaches seriously
6 December 2002
Brendon Thomas Meo, owner and director of Solstar Limited, has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to misleading representations as to the place of origin of his wine.Relates to: Fair Trading
Gribbles Group applies to Commerce Commission to acquire Alpha Scientific
2 December 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Gribbles Group Limited to acquire the business and business assets of Alpha Scientific Limited.Relates to:
Commission to prosecute Qantas and Air New Zealand: advertising of airfares misleading
1 December 2002
The Commerce Commission is to prosecute Qantas Airways Limited and Air New Zealand Limited for misleading advertising of airfares, Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell told the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) at its 40th Anniversary Conference in Taupo yesterday.Relates to: Fair Trading
November 2002
Telecommunications Act: Commerce Commission releases draft determination on wholesale application
29 November 2002
The Commerce Commission today released its draft report on TelstraClear Limited's application for a determination to permit the resale of some services offered by Telecom New Zealand Limited. This draft determination deals with the terms, including price, for the wholesaling of a number of Telecom's retail services to TelstraClear. A separate application has been made in respect of residential local access and calling services.Relates to: Telecommunications
Telecom applies for pricing review determinations on interconnection with TelstraClear
28 November 2002
Telecom New Zealand Limited has applied to the Commerce Commission under section 42 of the Telecommunications Act for pricing reviews in respect of the Commission's interconnection determination released on 5 November 2002. The Telecom applications for review relate to the price of interconnection with the Telecom network, and with the TelstraClear network for toll bypass calls, toll-free and payphone calls and call origination for premium rate and 50XY services. This follows an earlier application by TelstraClear for a similar pricing review.Relates to: Telecommunications
Brambles applies to Commerce Commission to acquire GE Capital Returnable Packaging Systems
27 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Brambles New Zealand Limited (Brambles) to acquire the business assets of GE Capital Returnable Packaging Systems Limited (GECRPS).Relates to:
Commerce Commission warns public about Celluslim weight loss capsules
26 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has concerns about the promotion of a weight loss and cellulite removal product, Celluslim, and warns consumers to think twice before buying.Relates to: Fair Trading
Qantas and Air New Zealand proposal: Commission awaits an application
26 November 2002
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave today said the Commission is preparing to receive an application for an authorisation under the Commerce Act following the announcement by Air New Zealand and Qantas of a proposed alliance between the two airlines. He also confirmed that there would be an opportunity for public submissions on the proposal during the Commission's inquiry process.Relates to:
Commission sends warning to clothing retailer: Hugh Wrights "Receivership" Sale misleading
25 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has sent a warning to clothing retailer HW Munns Limited following advertising of a Hugh Wrights Receivership Sale.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission conference starts today: Regulation of electricity lines businesses
25 November 2002
The Commerce Commission will this morning commence a four-day conference on its review of asset valuation methodologies of electricity lines businesses. The Commission's work on regulation of electricity lines businesses is under Part 4A of the Commerce Act.Relates to: Electricity
Second airline prosecution for misleading advertising - Polynesian Airlines fined $7,500
20 November 2002
In the second airline industry prosecution by the Commerce Commission in less than a fortnight, Polynesian Limited, trading as Polynesian Airlines, was fined $7,500 plus costs in the Auckland District Court today for misleading advertising.Relates to: Fair Trading
Val Morgan Holdings applies to acquire cinema advertising businesses
18 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Val Morgan Holdings Pty Limited (VMH), to acquire the cinema advertising businesses of Val Morgan & Co (Aust) Pty Limited (Val Morgan) and Media Entertainment Group Limited (MEG).Relates to:
Contact and Genesis apply to acquire Taranaki Combined Cycle Thermal Generation Plant
18 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has received two separate applications to purchase 100% of the shares in Stratford Power Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary of Natural Gas Holdings Corporation Limited (NGC), and/or the assets of its Taranaki Combined Cycle Thermal Generation plant (TCC).Relates to:
TelstraClear applies for a pricing review determination on interconnection with Telecom
15 November 2002
TelstraClear Limited has today applied to the Commerce Commission for a pricing review of its interconnection determination released earlier this month. The Commission's determination, released on 5 November, related to price and non-price terms for interconnection between the TelstraClear and Telecom New Zealand Limited networks.Relates to: Telecommunications
The Mill Liquorsave fined $5,000 for "No one undersells us" claim
15 November 2002
The Mill Liquorsave fined $5,000 forRelates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Act: Commission receives determination application from TelstraClear
13 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has today received an application from TelstraClear Limited for an access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001 for setting terms for the resale of residential services provided by Telecom New Zealand Limited.Relates to: Telecommunications
Freedom Air not freely disclosing full cost of airfares - fined $10,000
12 November 2002
South Pacific Charters Limited, trading as Freedom Air International, was fined $10,000 including costs in the Auckland District Court last Friday, having pleaded guilty to eight breaches of the Fair Trading Act in advertising the cost of airfares.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecom provides revised TSO cost calculation
11 November 2002
The Commerce Commission is required under the Telecommunications Act to determine annually the net cost to Telecom New Zealand Limited (Telecom) of providing local residential telephone services under Telecom's telecommunications service obligation (TSO), and to apportion that cost between Telecom and other network operators.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission clears Avis to acquire Budget
7 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from CendantRelates to:
Mercury Energy fined $14,000 for misleading advertising
6 November 2002
Poor processes and not learning from its mistakes cost Mighty River Power, trading as Mercury Energy, $14,000 in the Auckland District Court yesterday. The company pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Act:Commerce Commission settles interconnection price
5 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has today released its first access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001. The Commission's determination relates to price and non-price terms for interconnection between the TelstraClear Limited and Telecom New Zealand Limited networks.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission clears Vodafone Mobile to acquire radio frequency range
4 November 2002
The Commission has cleared Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited to acquire the management rights for 20 years in the radio frequency range between 890 MHz and 899.8 MHz, together with the corresponding natural pair management rights in the 939 - 944.8 MHz range from the New Zealand Government.Relates to:
Commission clears Coca Cola to acquire Rio Beverages
1 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved clearance applications from The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) to acquire the trademarks and intellectual property associated with the brands owned by Rio Beverages Limited (Rio Beverages) and from Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Limited (CCA NZ) to acquire the remaining business assets necessary to operate the Rio Beverages business.Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases draft determination on New Zealand Electricity Market authorisation application
1 November 2002
The Commerce Commission has today released a draft determination in relation to an application by The Marketplace Company Limited, the market administrator of the New Zealand Electricity Market (NZEM). The application was for authorisation of an arrangement that would require, after a delay of 14 days, the disclosure of bids to purchase electricity and offers to sell electricity through the NZEM. Bids and offers are currently disclosed after a delay of four weeks.Relates to: Business Competition
October 2002
Commission clears Custom Fleet to acquire Hertz Fleetlease
31 October 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved a clearance application from CustomRelates to:
Masterton Poultry Farm fined $10,000 for breaching Fair Trading Act - eggs not free-range
31 October 2002
Willem Klaas Stolte, owner/operator of Masterton Poultry Farm, was fined $10,000 in the Masterton District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to the sale of free-range eggs sold under the Hen House brand.Relates to: Fair Trading
Coca Cola applies for Commerce Commission clearance
24 October 2002
The Commerce Commission has received clearance applications from The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) to acquire the trademarks and intellectual property associated with the brands owned by Rio Beverages Limited (Rio Beverages) and from Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Limited (CCA NZ) to acquire the remaining business assets necessary to operate the Rio Beverages business.Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases full decision on self-governance rulebook for electricity industry
22 October 2002
The Commerce Commission today released its written reasons to authorise a set of arrangements in the form of a rulebook for the self-governance of the electricity sector, as announced last month.Relates to: Business Competition
Custom Fleet applies to acquire Hertz Fleetlease
18 October 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Custom Fleet (NZ) Limited (Custom Fleet) to acquire the shares of Hertz Fleetlease Limited (HFL) from Ford Motor Credit Company.Relates to:
Customers refunded for 'not so free' games
18 October 2002
Electronic Arts New Zealand Limited has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act, and has agreed, in a settlement with the Commerce Commission, to reimburse and apologise to nearly 9,000 customers for not disclosing postage and handling costs during a 'buy one get one free' promotion.Relates to: Fair Trading
Consumer warning about bicycle safety
14 October 2002
Consumer warning about bicycle safetyRelates to: Fair Trading
Genesis cleared to acquire Energy Online
10 October 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Genesis Power Limited (Genesis) to acquire Energy Online Limited (EOL).Relates to:
Are you being charged the right price?
8 October 2002
Two investigations into Masterton supermarket Write Price have prompted the Commerce Commission to alert consumers to the fact they need to be vigilant at the supermarket checkout and to warn supermarkets to make sure their till pricing accurately reflects in-store specials.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission sends warning to real estate industry - advertised prices must reflect vendors' expectations
6 October 2002
Two key judgements against Palmerston North real estate agency Century 21 Morris Realty and its agent Bette Ireland have reinforced the Commerce Commission's view that real estate agents must accurately reflect a vendor's price expectations when advertising property.Relates to: Fair Trading
Clear faces further court action for misleading advertising
4 October 2002
For the second time in less than a year, Clear Communications Limited today pleaded guilty in the North Shore District Court to breaching the Fair Trading Act. Judge Henwood fined Clear $6000 and warned the company that any further offending of this nature would attract a much higher fine.Relates to: Fair Trading
Traders taking heed of new safety standard for baby walkers - but still room for improvement
3 October 2002
A nationwide campaign by the Commerce Commission to increase awareness of the new safety standard for baby walkers has confirmed that traders and childcare providers are already taking heed of the regulations, but that there is still room for improvement.Relates to: Fair Trading
The Deanery comes under Commerce Commission scrutiny
3 October 2002
The Deanery comes under Commerce Commission scrutinyRelates to: Fair Trading
Commission receives clearance application from Vodafone Mobile
3 October 2002
The Commission has received a clearance application from Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited to acquire the management rights for 20 years in the radio frequency range between 890 MHz and 899.8 MHz, together with the corresponding natural pair management rights in the 939 - 944.8 MHz range from the New Zealand Government.Relates to:
Update: Regulation of electricity lines businesses
2 October 2002
The Commerce Commission has released a discussion paper on its review of methodologies that could be used to value the fixed assets of electricity lines businesses. The Commission has invited submissions on all matters covered by the paper.Relates to: Electricity
September 2002
Commerce Commission authorises self-governance rulebook for electricity industry
30 September 2002
The Commerce Commission today authorised proposed new arrangements in the form of a rulebook for self-governance of the electricity industry. The authorisation is subject to four conditions and will expire four years from the date of the implementation of the rulebook, or on 31 March 2007, whichever is the earlier.Relates to: Business Competition
Genesis cleared to acquire NGC's gas customers
27 September 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Genesis Power Limited (Genesis) to acquire the retail gas customers of Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited (NGC).Relates to:
Shell applies to Commission for extension to deadline to divest Energy Gas Contracts Limited
27 September 2002
Shell Overseas Holdings Limited (Shell) has applied to the Commerce Commission for a further extension to the deadline to divest Energy Gas Contracts Limited (EGCL).Relates to:
Commerce Commission to investigate dairy dispute
23 September 2002
The Commerce Commission today announced it would investigate Independent Dairy Producers Limitedâ?Âs (IDP) application for a determination under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIR Act) in respect of the price IDP has been required to pay the Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (Fonterra) for raw milk.Relates to:
TSO Update: Net cost calculation & TSO instrument
23 September 2002
The Commerce Commission is required under the Telecommunications Act to determine annually the net cost to Telecom of providing local residential telephone services under Telecom's Telecommunications Service Obligation (TSO), and to apportion that cost across both Telecom itself and other network operators.Relates to: Telecommunications
Company director applies for EIRA exemption
20 September 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Mr Samford Lee Maier (Junior) for a permanent exemption under section 81 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998. Mr Maierâ¿Âs application relates to:Relates to: Electricity
ANZ Bank fined $7,500 for misleading MasterCard offer: campaign write-off costs $2.3million
19 September 2002
ANZ Bank was fined $7,500 plus $1,130 costs in the Wellington District Court yesterday for breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to a promotion offering nearly 10,000 of its existing customers an ANZ MasterCard with a pre-approved $5000 limit. In addition, Judge Tuohy acknowledged the bank had to write off $2.3million as a result of the campaign as a whole and had suffered the publicity attached to a prosecution.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Access Determination: Conference Details
13 September 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a two-day conference on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 September, on its draft determination on the interconnection dispute between TelstraClear Limited and Telecom New Zealand Limited.Relates to: Telecommunications
Genesis applies to acquire NGC's gas customers
11 September 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Genesis Power Limited (Genesis) to acquire the retail gas customers of Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited (NGC).Relates to:
All bets are off! International co-operation results in successful court action against ex-New Zealander
10 September 2002
International co-operation between the Commerce Commission and its Australian counterpart, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has resulted in the successful court action against an ex-New Zealander for breaching the Australian Trade Practices Act 1974. Following admissions by Gold Coast businessman, Robert James Price, the Federal Court in Brisbane has found that he misled consumers and, in one instance, acted unconscionably in connection with the marketing and sale of horse betting software in Australia and New Zealand.Relates to: Fair Trading
Genesis applies to acquire Energy On Line
5 September 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Genesis Power Limited (Genesis) to acquire the electricity customers and assets of Energy On Line Limited (EOL).Relates to:
Avis applies to the Commerce Commission to acquire Budget
5 September 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Cendant Corporation, which owns and operates the New Zealand motor vehicle rental business, Avis Rent-a-Car Limited, to acquire up to 100% of the shares and assets in Budget Group Inc's car and truck operations in New Zealand.Relates to:
Electricity update: Commission to extend consultationon EGB authorisation
2 September 2002
The Commerce Commission is inviting submissions from interested partiesRelates to: Business Competition
Juice industry being squeezed -second prosecution in less than a month
2 September 2002
In the second juice industry prosecution by the Commerce Commission inRelates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases International Benchmarking report and draft interconnection determination
1 September 2002
The Commerce Commission today released two key documents relating to its responsibilities under the Telecommunications Act 2001. The Commission has published an International Benchmarking report in the form of a comparative review of interconnection prices, and has issued a draft of its determination on the interconnection dispute between TelstraClear Limited and Telecom New Zealand Limited. The determination deals with the price and non-price terms for interconnection of the two networks.Relates to: Telecommunications
August 2002
Dairy Industry Restructuring Act: Commission receives determination application from Independent Dairy Producers Ltd
27 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Independent Dairy Producers Limited (IDP) for a determination under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIR Act) 2001 in respect of the price IDP has been required to pay the Fonterra Co-operative Group (Fonterra) for raw milk.Relates to:
Commission clears VECTOR to acquire UnitedNetworks
23 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has today cleared VECTOR Limited, and any of its interconnected corporate bodies, to acquire up to 100% of the shares in the capital of UnitedNetworks Limited (UNL) and some or all of the assets of the businesses carried on by UNL.Relates to:
Commission clears National Gas Corporation (NGC) to acquire UnitedNetworks' gas pipeline assets
23 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has today cleared Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited to acquire the gas pipeline assets of UnitedNetworks Limited.Relates to:
Plumbing World fined $10,000 for misleading advertising
22 August 2002
Plumbing World was fined $10,000 in the Palmerston North District Court today for breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to a letterbox flyer circulated nationwide in September last year.Relates to: Fair Trading
Consolidated Extrusions receives Commission clearance
15 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Consolidated Extrusions Pty Limited, a joint venture between Austral Bronze Crane Copper Limited and Simsmetal Limited, to acquire those business assets relating to brass and copper alloy extrusions and distribution of the MCK Group Limited and MCK Pacific Pty Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission approves Fletcher Challenge Forests to acquire Central North Island Forest Partnership
15 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved a clearance application from Fletcher Challenge Forests Limited (FCF) to acquire the assets of the Central North Island Forest Partnership (the CNIFP).Relates to:
Rio Beverages fined $22,600 for misleading juice claims
14 August 2002
Rio Beverages Limited was fined $22,600 plus court costs in the Auckland District Court today for five breaches of the Fair Trading Act relating to false and misleading claims about its Thexton's Quality Beverages range of products.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fletcher Concrete receives Commerce Commission warning: behaviour at risk of breaching the Commerce Act
12 August 2002
Following a Commerce Commission investigation, Fletcher Concrete and Infrastructure Limited (Fletcher Concrete), previously trading as Firth Industries Limited and The Golden Bay Cement Company Limited, has received a warning over its activities in the cement and ready-mixed concrete markets. The Commission warned Fletcher Concrete that below-cost pricing by Firth risked breaching the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Pacific Terminals
7 August 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Gardner Smith Ltd, through its wholly owned subsidiary Pacific Terminals Ltd (PTL), to acquire the shares of Bulk Storage Terminals Limited (BST), and all the business of BST in liquid bulk storage terminals at regional ports in New Zealand.Relates to:
Commerce Commission briefing on Airports Inquiry
5 August 2002
Media are invited to a briefing at 10.30am tomorrow, Tuesday 6 August, to discuss the Commerce Commission's recommendations contained in its final report - "Part IV Inquiry into Airfield Activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports". The briefing will follow the release of the report by Minister of Commerce, Paul Swain, at 8am on the same day.Relates to: Airports
Commerce Commission granted court injunction against Infinity Concierge
1 August 2002
Following a warning to the public last month, the Commerce Commission has successfully sought an interim injunction against what it considers may be a pyramid scheme run by New Zealand registered company, Infinity Concierge NZ Limited. The interim injunction prevents Infinity Concierge from operating or promoting the scheme. The injunction also effectively freezes any money in its bank account and prevents it from cashing any un-presented or unprocessed payments of membership fees.Relates to: Fair Trading
July 2002
Commerce Commission declines Red Bus application to acquire Leopard Coachlines
30 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has declined an application from Red Bus Limited acquire up to 100% of the shares or assets of Leopard Coachlines Limited.Relates to:
Commission receives clearance application from Vector
30 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Vector Limited, and any of its interconnected corporate bodies, to acquire up to 100% of the shares in the capital of UnitedNetworks Limited (UNL) and some or all of the assets of the businesses carried on by UNL.Relates to:
Auckland business fined $5,000 for Asian-made KIWI MADE product
29 July 2002
Auckland business Elldex Packaging Limited was fined $5,000 plus costs in the Auckland District Court on Friday for breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to misleading representations about the place of origin of its all-purpose cling film wrap product.Relates to: Fair Trading
Firth Industries receives Commission clearance
26 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Firth Industries to acquire the assets comprising the ready-mixed concrete business of Gill Construction Co Limited in Blenheim.Relates to:
Commerce Commission to investigate TelstraClear application for wholesale determination
19 July 2002
The Commerce Commission today announced it would investigate TelstraClear Limited's application for a determination regarding the wholesale of services offered by Telecom New Zealand Limited.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission issues warning about suspected pyramid scheme: Infinity Concierge NZ Limited
19 July 2002
The Commerce Commission warns members of the public to be very careful before joining what it considers is likely to be a pyramid scheme run by New Zealand registered company, Infinity Concierge NZ Limited.Relates to: Fair Trading
National Gas Corporation (NGC) applies for clearance to acquire UnitedNetworks' gas pipeline assets
19 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited for clearance to acquire the gas pipeline assets of UnitedNetworks Limited.Relates to:
"Simply New Zealand" quite simply not
17 July 2002
Souvenir and tourist retailer, Simply New Zealand, was fined $3,000 in the Auckland District Court today for breaching the Fair Trading Act regarding country of origin claims on souvenir t-shirts sold in its Wellington Airport and central Christchurch shops.Relates to: Fair Trading
Electricity lines businesses: conference details
16 July 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a five day conference on Wednesday 17 - Friday 19 July, and Tuesday 23 - Wednesday 24 July, on the proposed thresholds and control regime for electricity lines businesses, as required under Part 4A of the Commerce Act 1986.Relates to: Electricity
Commission receives clearance application from Consolidated Extrusions
15 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Consolidated Extrusions Pty Limited, a joint venture between Austral Bronze Crane Copper Limited and Simsmetal Limited, to acquire those business assets of the MCK Group Limited and MCK Pacific Pty Limited (together MCK) relating to its brass and copper alloy extrusions and distribution business.Relates to:
Commission receives clearance application from Fletcher Challenge Forests
11 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Fletcher Challenge Forests Limited (FCF) to acquire most of the assets of the Central North Island Forest Partnership (the CNIFP).Relates to:
Publisher fined $20,000 for 55 breaches of Fair Trading Act
11 July 2002
Anthony John Hendon was fined $20,000 in the North Shore District Court today after pleading guilty to 55 breaches of the Fair Trading Act relating to his businesses, Peach Holdings Limited, Hilltop Printing Limited and Mainland Media Group Limited.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission receives clearance application from Firth Industries
10 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Firth Industries to acquire the assets comprising the ready-mixed concrete business of Gill Construction Co Limited (Gill) in Blenheim.Relates to:
Telecommunications Service Obligations: conference details
9 July 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a four day conference on Wednesday 10 - Friday 12 July, and Monday 15 July, on its two discussion papers relating to its proposed approach under the Telecommunications Act 2001 to determining the cost of the Kiwi Share - now called the telecommunications service obligations (TSO).Relates to: Telecommunications
Net Guard shuts up shop following Commission investigation
5 July 2002
Auckland based Net Guard (New Zealand) Limited has closed down following a Commerce Commission investigation. The Commission had received complaints that Net Guard was operating a sophisticated pyramid scheme in breach of section 24 of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases discussion paper on application of a TSLRIC Pricing Methodology
3 July 2002
The Commerce Commission today released a discussion paper on Total Service Long Run Incremental Cost (TSLRIC) as part of its responsibilities under the Telecommunications Act 2001.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission receives clearance application from Canterbury bus firm
2 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Christchurch based Red Bus Limited to acquire up to 100% of the shares or assets of Leopard Coachlines Limited.Relates to:
Reyrolle Pacific Holdings receives Commission clearance
2 July 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Reyrolle Pacific Holdings Limited to acquire 100% of the shares in VA Tech Reyrolle Pacific Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of VA Tech Schneider High Voltage.Relates to:
June 2002
Update on Commerce Commission's electricity work
28 June 2002
The Commerce Commission is continuing to progress its regulatory workwill hold a five-day conference on the proposed electricity thresholds and control regime for lines companies on 17-19 July and 23-24 July 2002.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission to determine interconnection between TelstraClear and Telecom networks
19 June 2002
The Commerce Commission today announced it would investigate TelstraClear Limited's application for a determination regarding interconnection with Telecom New Zealand Limited's fixed Public Switched Telephone Network and reciprocal interconnection by Telecom with the TelstraClear network.Relates to: Telecommunications
Reyrolle Pacific Holdings applies for clearance to acquire VA Tech Reyrolle Pacific
13 June 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Reyrolle Pacific Holdings Limited to acquire 100% of the shares of VA Tech Reyrolle Pacific Limited.Relates to:
Auckland trader fined $5,000 for envelope stuffing scam
12 June 2002
Auckland trader Gregson Cretchein Mathews was fined $5,000 in the Auckland District Court today for breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to a "work from home" scam. In addition, Mathews was fined $500 solicitor's fees and $130 court costs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Electricity Governance Board : conference details
11 June 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a five day conference on Wednesday 12 - Friday 14 June, and Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 June, on its draft determination relating to an application by the Electricity Governance Board for authorisation of an arrangement that proposes to restructure the basis under which electricity is raded.Relates to: Business Competition
Misleading representations cost Star Corporation over $50,000
7 June 2002
Star Corporation Limited was fined $48,000 plus court costs of $3,120 in the Waitakere District Court this week for misleading conduct regarding false statements about two mobile telephone directories. Star Corporation pleaded guilty to 24 breaches of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Regulation of Electricity Lines Businesses: submissions available on Commission's website
7 June 2002
Submissions on the Commerce Commission's Discussion Paper on Regulation of Electricity Lines Businesses are now available on the its website at www.comcom.govt.nz/electricity/register.cfm.Relates to: Electricity
May 2002
Holiday Marketing fined $17,500 for breaching Fair Trading Act
31 May 2002
Holiday Marketing International (NZ) Limited (HMI) was fined $17,500 plus court costs in the Auckland District Court today for misleading the public as to the nature of timeshare presentations it was promoting. HMI pleaded guilty to breaching section 11 of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission releases Telco document
28 May 2002
The paper, "A Guide to the role of the Commerce Commission in making access determinations under the Telecommunications Act 2001" follows a draft discussion paper released in December last year, shortly after the Telecommunications Bill was enacted.Relates to: Telecommunications
The Marketplace Company applies to Commerce Commission for authorisation
28 May 2002
The Market Administrator of the New Zealand Electricity Market (The Marketplace Company) has applied to the Commerce Commission for authorisation of a proposed arrangement that will increase the amount of information available to market participants in the wholesale electricity market.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission issues warning to Buller Electricity and Eastland Network for breach of the Commerce Act
24 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has now approved the remaining asset valuations of two electricity lines businesses - Westport-based Buller Electricity Limited and Gisborne-based Eastland Network Limited - and at the same time warned both companies that the Commission takes breaches of the Commerce Act very seriously.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Marstel Terminals
23 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Marstel Terminals Pty Limited (Marstel), and any of its interconnected corporate bodies, to acquire 100% of the shares of Bulk Storage Terminals Limited (BST).Relates to:
Telecom applies for second access determination
22 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has received a second application from Telecom New Zealand Limited for an access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001 in respect of interconnection services.Relates to: Telecommunications
Telecom applies for access determination
17 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Telecom New Zealand Limited for an access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001 in respect of interconnection services.Relates to: Telecommunications
Christchurch fish & chip shop in hot oil
17 May 2002
A Christchurch fish & chip shop has come under Commerce Commission scrutiny for falsely claiming its food is cooked in cholesterol-free oil. Huntsbury Seafoods has admitted breaching section 10 of the Fair Trading Act in a signed settlement with the Commission.Relates to: Fair Trading
Pharmacy Guild withdraws application for authorisation
17 May 2002
The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) has withdrawn its application to the Commerce Commission for authorisation of a restrictive trade practice.Relates to: Business Competition
TelstraClear applies for access determination
16 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from TelstraClear Limited for an access determination under the Telecommunications Act 2001 in respect of both interconnection and wholesale services.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission holds benchmarking conference
15 May 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a conference this Thursday and Friday, 16 - 17 May, on its benchmarking in pricing determinations under the Telecommunications Act.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission revises TSO schedule
13 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has revised its Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) schedule in response to requests from interested parties for additional time to prepare for the TSO conference.Relates to: Telecommunications
Internet Naming Group: Commission urges the public to have no dealings with this company
7 May 2002
The Commerce Commission strongly urges the public to have no dealings with internet domain name reseller, Internet Name Protection Pty Limited, trading as Internet Naming Group (ING).Relates to: Fair Trading
Regulation of electricity lines businesses: new deadline for submissions
2 May 2002
The Commerce Commission has extended the deadline for submissions on its Discussion Paper on Regulation of Electricity Lines Businesses, in response to requests from interested parties. The new date for submissions is *Friday 31 May 2002*.Relates to: Electricity
April 2002
Commerce Commission releases decision on NZ Bus Limited
29 April 2002
The Commerce Commission today released its full decision on NZ Bus Limited's clearance application.Relates to:
Fonterra receives Commerce Commission clearance
29 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from Fonterra to acquire, through its wholly owned subsidiary Anchor Investments Limited, or any of its interconnected bodies corporate, the remaining 50% of shares in Grated Cheese Co Ltd from Chad Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases draft determination on EGBL authorisation application
26 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has today released a draft determination in relation to an application by the Electricity Governance Board Limited (EGBL) for authorisation of an arrangement that proposes to restructure the basis under which electricity is traded.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission releases draft determination on Pharmacy Guild authorisation application
26 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has today released its draft determination in relation to an authorisation application by the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) (the Guild).Relates to: Business Competition
GE Capital Finance receives Commission clearance
24 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved an application from GE Capital Finance Australasia Pty Limited (GEC), and any of its interconnected corporate bodies to acquire the business assets of Australian Guarantee Corporation (NZ) Limited (AGC). The business assets will include 50% of the shares of AA Financial Services Limited.Relates to:
Commission holds telecommunications conference
22 April 2002
The Commerce Commission will hold a telecommunications conference tomorrow, Tuesday 23 April, on its role in making access determinations.Relates to: Telecommunications
Meridian Energy fined $12,000 for Fair Trading Act breaches
22 April 2002
Meridian Energy was fined $12,000 plus costs in the Invercargill District Court today. It admitted six breaches of the Fair Trading Act in relation to an offer to Comalco employees in December 1999.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Service Obligations:
22 April 2002
The Commerce Commission today released the second of two discussion papers outlining its proposed approach under the Telecommunications Act 2001 (the Act) to determining the cost of the Kiwi Share - now called the telecommunications service obligations (TSO).Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Fonterra
18 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fonterra to acquire, through its wholly owned subsidiary Anchor Investments Limited (AIL), or any of its interconnected bodies corporate, the remaining 50% of shares in Grated Cheese Co Ltd (GCC) from Chad Holdings Limited (Chad).Relates to:
Update on Electricity Governance Board authorisation
15 April 2002
The Commerce Commission is currently considering an application by the Electricity Governance Board Limited for authorisation of proposed arrangements that will restructure the basis under which electricity is traded.Relates to: Business Competition
Scam trader convicted of 33 breaches of Fair Trading Act
12 April 2002
Notorious trader Michael Knight was fined $3,000 plus $130 court costs in the Auckland District Court today. He was convicted of a total of 33 breaches of the Fair Trading Act relating to the businesses Budget Imports and Francais Imports Limited.Relates to: Fair Trading
New Zealand Bus Limited receives Commerce Commission clearance
11 April 2002
New Zealand Bus Limited, commonly known in the Wellington region as Stagecoach, today received Commerce Commission clearance to be a 50% shareholder in a joint venture with Wellington Regional Council to acquire 100% of the assets of Tranz Metro (Wellington).Relates to:
National Foods Limited: Commerce Commission decision available on website
8 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has today released its full decision to decline an application from National Foods Limited to acquire, through a wholly owned subsidiary, up to 100% of the issued shares of New Zealand Dairy Foods Limited (NZDF).Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases two telecommunications discussion papers
5 April 2002
The Commerce Commission today released two significant discussion papers as part of its new responsibilities under the Telecommunications Act 2001 (the Act). The reports are titled"International Benchmarking" and "Interconnection Pricing Methodology."Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission approves the asset valuationsof 28 electricity lines companies
4 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has completed its statutory requirement to complete a comprehensive audit of the asset valuations of the 29 electricity lines companies and Transpower. All but two lines companies have had their valuation reports approved by the Commission.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from GE Capital Finance
4 April 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from GE Capital Finance Australasia Pty Limited (GEC), and any of its interconnected corporate bodies to acquire the business assets of Australian Guarantee Corporation (NZ) Limited (AGC). The business assets will include 50% of the shares of AA Financial Services Limited.Relates to:
March 2002
Confirmed conference timetable
28 March 2002
The Commerce Commission today confirmed its conference timetable for the next four months.Relates to: Telecommunications
Warning to souvenir traders : All Star Trading ordered to pay $5,200 plus costs for "place of origin" breaches
27 March 2002
Christchurch souvenir retailer, All Star Trading Limited, was fined a total of $5,200 in the Christchurch District Court on Monday. It admitted a total of eight breaches of the Fair Trading Act and non-compliance with the Consumer Information Standards regarding country of origin claims on t-shirts sold in its two central city stores in Christchurch.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission releases discussion paper: TSO Cornerstone Issues
22 March 2002
The Commerce Commission today released the first of two discussion papers outlining its proposed approach under the Telecommunications Act 2001 (the Act) to determining the cost of the Kiwi Share - now called the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO).Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission declines National Foods Limited application to acquire New Zealand Dairy Foods Limited
22 March 2002
The Commerce Commission has declined an application from National Foods Limited to acquire, through a wholly owned subsidiary, up to 100% of the issued shares of New Zealand Dairy Foods Limited (NZDF).Relates to:
Commission invites telecommunication industry registrations
22 March 2002
*Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases discussion paper on control of electricity lines businesses
21 March 2002
Encouraging efficient operation of markets for the long term benefit of consumers is the approach taken by the Commerce Commission in the release of its discussion paper on control of large electricity lines businesses. The paper, released today, describes the Commission's proposals for its new responsibilities under the Commerce Act (the Act) to control the 30 large electricity lines businesses, including Transpower.Relates to: Electricity
Cyber health under the microscope
20 March 2002
Fifty-eight consumer protection and health authorities from all over the world swept the internet last month to improve the marketing practices of websites promoting health products, and to pursue fraudulent health businesses.Relates to: Fair Trading
Update on Commerce Commission Electricity Industry Work
15 March 2002
The Commerce Commission currently has a number of electricity industry projects underway in relation to its requirements under the Commerce Act (the Act). In addition, it has commenced two investigations involving the electricity retail market and has commenced court action against an electricity supplier for an alleged breach of section 36 of the Act.Relates to: Electricity
Commission to review electricity linesvaluation methodologies: Issues Paper attached
14 March 2002
The Commerce Commission today announced its intention to initiate a review of asset valuation methodologies for electricity lines businesses. The review is a requirement under Part 4A of the Commerce Act.Relates to:
Commerce Commission takes airline industry complaints seriously: decision to prosecute Freedom Air
14 March 2002
The Commerce Commission is warning the airline industry to ensure its practices for advertising airfares do not breach the Fair Trading Act or face further prosecutions.Relates to: Fair Trading
Meet Telecommunications Commissioner Douglas Webb
12 March 2002
Media are invited to the Commerce Commission's Wellington office to meet newly arrived Telecommunications Commissioner, Douglas Webb.Relates to: Telecommunications
Shell receives Commerce Commission clearance to acquire The Gas Company
1 March 2002
The Commerce Commission has cleared Shell New Zealand Limited to acquire up to 100% of the shares or assets of Christchurch based The Gas Company Limited.Relates to:
February 2002
Hewlett-Packard receives Commerce Commission clearance to acquire Compaq
28 February 2002
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave said the Commission is satisfied that the proposed acquisition would not substantially lessen competition in any market.Relates to:
New safety standard for baby walkers
28 February 2002
A new mandatory safety standard for baby walkers is being introduced by the Government tomorrow.Relates to: Fair Trading
Invercargill Security Firm fined $4,000 for "free alarms" offer
27 February 2002
Demand Boss Security was fined a total of $4,000 in the Christchurch District Court on Monday. It admitted making claims that members of the public could obtain free alarms, without disclosing that in order to do so a customer had to take a monitoring service for a three year term at a daily cost of $1 + GST. The claims were made in an advertisement in the Southland Times in April.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission receives application from Hewlett-Packard to acquire Compaq Computer Corporation
14 February 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Hewlett-Packard Company to acquire the whole of the issued share capital of Compaq Computer Corporation.Relates to: Business Competition
Mainland receives Commerce Commission clearance to acquire Southern Fresh
14 February 2002
The Commerce Commission today cleared Mainland Products Limited, and its interconnected corporate bodies, to acquire up to 100% of shares or assets of the Southern Fresh Milk Company Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission clears Port of Tauranga to acquire Owens Services BOP
12 February 2002
The Commerce Commission has cleared Port of Tauranga Limited to acquire up to 100% of the assets or shares of Owens Services BOP Limited.Relates to:
National Foods applies to Commerce Commission to acquire New Zealand Dairy Foods
8 February 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from National Foods Limited to acquire, through a wholly owned subsidiary, up to 100% of the issued shares of New Zealand Dairy Foods Limited (NZDF).Relates to:
Shell applies for clearance to acquire The Gas Company
8 February 2002
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Shell New Zealand Limited to acquire up to 100% of the shares or assets of Christchurch based The Gas Company Limited.Relates to:
Real estate trader and agent both fined for misleading claims
8 February 2002
The true cost of making claims based on misleading information can often be more than a court fine warns Commerce Commission Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell.Relates to: Fair Trading
Design and Arts College today fined $10,000
5 February 2002
Educational institutions were sent a clear and strong message today: you must be vigilant in the accuracy of promotional material relating to courses.Relates to: Fair Trading
Giltrap City Toyota to pay $150,000 for price fixing
5 February 2002
The Auckland High Court has ordered Giltrap City Limited, trading as Giltrap City Toyota,to pay a pecuniary penalty of $150,000 for price fixing in breach of the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
Electricity lines businesses audit update: Commerce Commission approves eight asset valuation reports
1 February 2002
The Commerce Commission has approved the asset valuation reports of eight electricity lines businesses, and is continuing to work with 21 others on their valuation reports.Relates to:
January 2002
Commission joins forces for International Sweep Day: target sector is health
31 January 2002
Cyber health scams around the world are under the microscope this week as the Commerce Commission joins forces with 30 other national enforcement agencies worldwide in searching thousands of websites to uncover shonky health claims.Relates to: Fair Trading
Genesis Power and Source Distribution acknowledges misleading customers over the price of electricity
22 January 2002
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, both Genesis Power Limited and its contractor, Source Distribution Limited, have acknowledged breaching the Fair Trading Act by making claims liable to mislead customers over the price of electricity in the Wellsford area.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission clears Johnson Wax to acquire a subsidiary of Unilever New Zealand
18 January 2002
The Commerce Commission has cleared S.C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc to acquire the shares and/or business of DiverseyLever New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Paloma Industries receives Commerce Commission clearance to acquire Southcorp
18 January 2002
The Commerce Commission has cleared Paloma Industries Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary NZ Water Heater Company Limited, to acquire 100% of the water heaters and heating elements business of Southcorp Water Heaters NZ Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission considers prosecution if King Cargo fails to honour its undertakings on recalling and repairing bicycles that do not meet the safety standards
10 January 2002
The Commerce Commission will consider taking legal action against itinerant trader King Cargo Limited if it does not honour its agreed undertakings over the recall of bicycles that do not comply with the New Zealand and Australian safety standards for bicycles.Relates to:
Commerce Commission commences court action against Bay of Plenty Electricity over refusals to grant meter access for electricity supply in the Bay of Plenty region
8 January 2002
The Commerce Commission has commenced court action against Bay of Plenty Electricity Limited alleging that the company has breached section 36 of the Commerce Act by refusing to enter into metering services agreements and grant meter access to other electricity retailers wishing to enter the electricity retail market in the Bay of Plenty region.Relates to: Fair Trading
